Agenda item

Report of the Commissioner.

The Board received a report of the Commissioner on the Baroness Casey Review.

The Board considered the concerns raised in the Review noting that, whilst it was specifically focused on the Metropolitan Police, there were important lessons for all police forces regarding the issues raised on leadership, recruitment, vetting, training, culture and communications. Additionally, it was noted that the degree of transparent scrutiny undertaken by the Professional Standards and Integrity Committee was a vital contributor to the oversight of these concerns by the Board. The Chair highlighted vetting and culture, particularly within specialist units, as key themes from the Review commenting on the importance of a truly diverse workforce to its culture.

A Member congratulated the Force on the quality of the Active Bystander Training which they had recently attended. Responding to this Officers confirmed that the Active Bystander Training was due to be extended to all of the Force, both police officers and staff. The Chair added that they would be contacting the Town Clerk to suggest the Training be offered to all Members of the Court of Common Council.

In response to Member’s query regarding the reintroduction of the Member leads for Special Interest Area (SIA) the Chair noted that the engagement between the Police Authority and the Force meant that effective scrutiny also took place outside of Board and Committee meetings. In addition, it was suggested that options for the reintroduction of some of the SIA be further considered.

The Board noted the importance of the Workforce Plan, leadership and recruitment to ensuring an appropriate culture in the City of London Police. In addition, it was observed that a forward-looking action plan would be useful to establish a proactive approach to any areas of concern and confirmed that the Professional Standards and Integrity Committee would be focusing on this. Officers confirmed that proactive and ongoing work was being undertaken to ensure the correct culture is maintained at all levels of the Force, including maintaining standards of vetting at all times.

Following a Member’s suggesting that a City of London Police representative be appointed to the City of London Corporation’s Safeguarding Sub-Committee Officers clarified that this would be taken forward.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.